The Fire

What would you do if you found yourself with the unique ability to travel back through time? Would you take a risk and do it? That is just where Kevin Johnson finds himself after joining his family to go through his grandparents house in Wallace, Idaho. Kevin just recently graduated from college with two majors in Earth Science and Physics. Now while attempting to kill a spider in his room, he spills an ice tea and discovers the tell-tale marks of a hidden storage space beneath the wooden floor. What he uncovers is a stash of diamonds, double-eagle gold coins, and more along with his great great grandfather's leather journal. In it he discovers that the rock shed in the back yard can be accessed through a solstice sun or a full moon and when using the gold coins to spell out the year you want to travel back to, the shed becomes a time travel portal.

Since following his great great grandfather, Asa Johnson's journal he discovers that Asa himself has been time traveling quite a bit and thus the need for money that can be spent in 1910 as well as 2013. Kevin decides to take his own journey back to 1910 as life in the current year hasn't brought him much in the way of love and believes an adventure is just the thing to get his mind off things, especially being left alone in the house while his family takes a weekend side trip. What Kevin uncovers is that while he is in 1910, his place in the current year of 2013 is just as he left it. As though he hadn't been gone at all. So he takes another journey and this time finds there is quite a bit to uncover in the town his great great grandfather was a part of. Now if he can only convince others there, that he truly belongs in the year 1910. However Kevin knows that on August 20, 1910, a great fire will come to the town and virtually wipe out most of the town as well as left 85 people dead due to multiple fires caused by months of drought and high winds.

What he doesn't expect to find is not only a love of becoming a teacher in the high school, but also in falling head over heels in love with not one lovely young lady, but two. There is quite a difference in the standards of courting women in the 1910's from the fast paced romance of 2013 and all Kevin knows is that as much as he wants to go back to the present time, his heart won't let him go. Will he be able to convince Sarah Thompson, the woman he first laid eyes on when he arrived in town that he really is who he claims to be, a time traveler from the future?

I received The Fire from John A. Heldt compliments of the author himself and I've been delighted to read John's previous novels in the Northwest Passage Series, with this one being Book 4 in the series. Each one of them feels so historically rich in detail I can not only vividly picture the events and people but also feel like I am truly there. This is such a great series for readers who enjoy a novel on time travel and historical fiction with some amazing romance thrown in for good measure. I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This was a well-researched novel that showcases the 1910 Great Fire which you can read about through the many references he includes in this novel.

For more information about The Fire, John A. Heldt or where you can pick up a copy of this exceptional novel today, please click on the links below:

The Fire by John A. Heldt

You can also find John A. Heldt on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

Fifteen Minutes

For anyone with a music talent, all they are longing for is just their 15 minutes of fame. A chance to prove to the world and themselves that they truly possess a talent that could possibly launch them into being the next big thing. That is just what Zack Dylan, a talented country music singer with the looks of Elvis, hopes to prove by auditioning for Fifteen Minutes, a music show much like The Voice or American Idol that could offer Zack the brass ring to fame. Believing that he does have what it takes to rise to the top of the music charts, Zack believes that God is leading him to this path, a way to provide for his family financially if he makes it to the final round and wins the competition. But his grandfather and his girlfriend, Reese Weatherly believe that this isn't the way God wants him to go. Nonetheless they will both keep him in prayer and if God wants Zack to continue, then they will support whatever doors God opens for him.

Struggling to keep his family's horse farm afloat as well as provide for the ongoing medical care his sister A.J. requires, Zack believes God wouldn't let him move forward in the music competition unless that is what He is calling him to do. And at first, Zack remains committed to keeping his faith intact and praying for God to use him as a tool in this industry. But soon the scenes behind the television series show that the things people see on the show aren't really what's going on and what sells ratings and increased viewers are where they will go despite the reservations of the competitors, one of which is to prohibit Zack from openly sharing his faith in God and instead show a seedier side of romance blossoming between him and fellow competitor Zoey.

Reese Weatherly has been given an opportunity to teach her equine therapeutic skills to a facility in London for the next year, and while despite having some reservations about the limited conversations she is having with Zack while he is going through the auditions, she believes he still loves her.

"She prayed for him. Not that he'd be the best singer or that this would be his brightest stage moment ever. She prayed for something else, something that mattered more. For God's will, whatever it was. That above all else."

When the season opener of Fifteen Minutes airing an episode that shows Zack and Zoey in a dark hallway and kissing, Reese doesn't know what God's plans are for her and Zack. Taking all the clues together paints a far different picture than the one Zack is leading her to believe. Will she be willing to wait for Zack or will she accept the fact that God has different plans for them than becoming man and wife despite their heartfelt prayers?

I received Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are my own. This takes readers behind the scenes at what might possibly go on in the music competition shows that are becoming the latest rage and once again showing that what we see on television isn't necessarily what is really happening. It teaches us through the story that there is a price for everything in life and the one for fame and fortune might just cost us everything we hold dear including our faith. "She, more than anyone, understood the depth of the dream, the impossibility of it. The cost."

What I took away from this novel is that our perceptions of what television shows us is a tainted one. One that puts ratings about anything else. That there is a cost associated with anything we do and sometimes that line can be blurred between what we think God has placed in front of us or in fact our own desires superseding His. It made me look at what the real cost of fame and being a celebrity really is and how truly sad their lives are despite all their wealth and notoriety. They search for happiness in all the wrong places and in the end have little more than shattered lives left in the end. I rate this novel a 5 out of 5 stars and once again Karen Kingsbury has hit a home run!

For more information about Fifteen Minutes, Karen Kingsbury or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury

You can also find Karen Kingsbury on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews of Fifteen Minutes, please visit Howard Books website. 

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (October 29, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451647050
• ISBN-13: 978-1451647051
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches

The Christmas Candle

What I love most about any of Max Lucado's books, is that they follow you wherever you go. The message you are bound to find will undoubtedly find its way into your heart and soul. What I have discovered is the perfect gift for those that love a great book just in time for Christmas. One that you can incorporate into your family devotions as well as a late night reading for your family next to a warm fire on a snowy night. The best part is that this is finding its way into being made into a movie so that it can enjoyed in a multitude of ways for Christmas.

In The Christmas Candle set in the late 1600's in Cotswald, England, we meet when the story originated with a candle maker and his wife. They are awakened in the middle of the night by a heavenly angel that appears and touches just one candle before disappearing, ensuring that the candle maker knows just which one was touched. The candle is then given to a woman who is desperate for food. She has no means to find money to help her children out and the candle maker instructs her to light the candle and pray to God for help. The next day at church service in St. Mark's the widow informs the church of the Christmas miracle that happened when she did just what the candle maker told her to do. She was given a farm by a wealthy uncle she didn't know so she can live in it and provide for her children without payment.

Now the legend continues in the small town that whenever the church service begins each 25 years, a Christmas miracle occurs by whomever the candle is given by the candle maker's family. This year however much has changed. Will the miracle of the Christmas candle still work in the hearts of the people living in the town of Gladstone? You'll have to pick this one up and find out. The best part is that this is coming to the big screen on November 22nd to a theater near you.

I received The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such a wonderful and heartwarming story that I can see it becoming a Christmas tradition much like the reading of The Christmas Story or the Night Before Christmas. It definitely opens up the conversation around what happens in the book and compels us to look deep inside our hearts to see how wonderful the birth of Jesus Christ was so many years ago and how even today, that miracle still works the lives and hearts of those that believe in Him. Hands down a perfect 5 out of 5 stars! What a life-changing book this would make as a gift for someone this Christmas!

For more information about The Christmas Candle, Max Lucado or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado

You can find Max Lucado on Facebook to stay up to date with all his amazing books.

To read more reviews on The Christmas Candle, visit Thomas Nelson's website.

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Reprint edition (September 24, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401689949
• ISBN-13: 978-1401689940
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.9 x 1 inches

Gunpowder Tea

In this charming and captivating novel, Gunpowder Tea, the reader is in for a true treat and not just in the form of a warm cup of tea. Miranda Hunt has always been trying to prove something, either to herself or to her father, a former Pinkerton detective that was killed while working a case. Being the only girl in the family, she found more comfort in hanging out with her brothers learning to ride, shot and fight like any of them. That's why it came as a complete surprise to her father to learn that Miranda was being hired as a Pinkerton detective.

Now despite some inconveniences that are trailing her past, like shooting a women's husband that was already dead apprehending a thief at a funeral, she gets the chance at a lifetime if she can locate and discover just who the Phantom is. The clues point to the Last Chance Ranch in Arizona and Miranda is going there disguised as a potential heiress under the name Annie Beckman, for the ranches owner, Miss Eleanor Walker. Now all she has to do is fulfill the job requirements of the advertisement while figuring out just who the possible criminal is. But the one thing she didn't figure on is being robbed on her train ride to Arizona and having her father's pocket watch taken while she couldn't do anything about it. She must remain undercover til she knows for sure who the Phantom is.

Wells Fargo detective, Jeremy Taggart is hoping that he can locate his missing friend who was tracking down the whereabouts of the Phantom in Arizona before its too late. What he doesn't plan on discovering is that his heart will be captured in the process by Annie Beckman, a lady he meets while robbing her on the train under the assumed name of Mr. David Branch. Now it seems that both Annie and David suspect each other of working with the Phantom game while both of them try to gain the upper hand in believing that each other will lead them to the leader. It's a true cat and mouse premise that will keep you guessing how well each of them puts together all their training to discover love in the process.

I received Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained in this review are mine alone. I absolutely LOVED this novel even though I haven't read the other two preceding novels in this series, I hope to be able to pick those up and see where it all began. There are some great funny moments between the two characters before and after they discover their true identities much like a western version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The secondary characters are also a wonderful addition to keep the storyline moving and interesting like the addition of the phone line being installed at the ranch and the benefits of all the tea that Annie keeps bringing to the ranch owner, Miss Walker who HATES tea! It will keep you in smiles and sighs the whole time. There is even a great discussion guide and recipe for Gunpowder Tea Bread at the end. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Gunpowder Tea, Margaret Brownley or where you can pick up this book today, please click on the links below:

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

You can also find Margaret Brownley on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Gunpowder Tea from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour, please click here.

• Series: The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 8, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595549722
• ISBN-13: 978-1595549723
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches

Margaret Brownley's latest release, Gunpowder Tea, is receiving high praise, and she's celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway and a "Tea with Margaret" Facebook party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "Tea with Margaret" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 7th. Connect with Margaret and friends for an evening of book chat, prizes, and get an exclusive look at Margaret's next book!

So grab your copy of Gunpowder Tea and join Margaret on the evening of November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 11/7!

Severed Trust

It's the latest "in" thing. But first you have to be approved by those that are already part of this exclusive group. Funny how it has to happen that way but in order to ensure security within the group it has to be this way. Oh and you do have to bring along a little something to contribute to the party as well. Welcome to a pill party. Now that you have been approved based on who you're dating, you are expected to bring along whatever happens to be in your medicine cabinet. Don't take too many pills from those bottles as we don't want others to notice they are missing, but maybe one or two for now. They can be anything, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, blood pressure medicine or even pain pills. Just make sure no one sees you taking them and we'll see you there. Make sure you don't tell anyone either or else!

Such is the premise behind Severed Trust by best selling author Margaret Daley in the fourth book in her Men of the Texas Rangers Series. We are immediately introduced to Kelly Winston who finally has her shot with the popular kids in Summerton High School. Now dating a football player, Jared Montgomery who literally has everything going for him including the fact that his dad Bradley is one of the town's richest men and who also owns the largest ranch in Texas. Now Kelly just has to make it through this party with Jared who ensure her that he won't let anything happen to her. He loves her after all and this is a way for Kelly to get to know his closest friends. Armed with a handful of prescription pills that removed from their parents medicine chests, they arrive at the party to contribute their pills to a large bowl in the middle of the abandoned warehouse. The goal of the party is to take a handful of the assorted pills and drink them down with a beer and see what happens.

Jared tells her nothing bad has ever happened. Most of the time, kid's don't experience anything at all; some get a temporary high or others simply sleep off the effects. However Kelly questions just how right any of this is, but wanting to be a permanent part of Jared's future, she decides to take a risk. Only tonight things will take a dramatically different course. When Kelly wakes up she finds Jared cold and laying on the ground of the warehouse. She hears someone mention he is dead and that they have to get him out of the warehouse. Kelly knows she has to get out of here before anyone finds out, so she calls her best friend Lexie to come give her a ride. She makes Lexie promise not to say anything about picking her up, but when she arrives home, the police are waiting for her.

It doesn't help that Lexie's uncle is Ethan Stone, a Texas Ranger and her dad, Cord, is the chief of police. Just how can she find her way through being loyal to her best friend and doing the right thing, especially when Jared's body has been found in the lake. Now it leads Lexie to wonder just what Kelly and Jared were up to and Kelly doesn't want to talk to her about anything that happened that night. In fact, Kelly goes as far as telling the police that she came home after her date with Jared and she doesn't know what happened after he dropped her off. But soon clues begin to point Ethan and Cord to the fact that Jared was murdered and his father will pull out all the stops to ensure that the murderer is caught.

I received Severed Trust by Margaret Daley compliments of Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable one and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. This really opens the readers eyes to what may in fact be happening in schools all over the country. With illegal drugs becoming harder to come by, "pill parties" are becoming the latest thing for middle school and high school students to be involved in. We already know how easy it is for some kids to become addicted to prescription drugs but this is a chilling look at the dangers that may be happening right under our own noses. Once again Margaret Daley takes this novel into a sensational suspense thriller and completely leaves you guessing at what is happening until it all falls into place at the very climatic ending. Makes you wonder how far you'd go to cover for your friend when you give them your word? I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and think it definitely gives parents another conversation starter to have in their own family to prevent this kind of thing from happening to those we love and care about.

For more information about Severed Trust, Margaret Daley or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Severed Trust by Margaret Daley

You can also find Margaret Daley on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Severed Trust, check out Abindgon Press' website. 

• Series: Men of the Texas Rangers
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426761864
• ISBN-13: 978-1426761867
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

A Christmas Carol 2

I've often wondered what ever happened after Ebenezer Scrooge discovered the true meaning of Christmas. Did he remain grateful and continue to keep Christmas in his heart every day instead of once a year? What ever happened to his faithful employee Bob Cratchit or his family that he was reunited with before he died? What if hidden somewhere for more than 170 years was a copy of the sequel to A Christmas Carol that provided those answers of just what happened to our beloved characters years later? Well that is just what you'll find with a dose of comedy in the novel, A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg.

The story is written in a Charles Dickens manner in which all of the characters from Dicken's novels make an appearance in this delightful tale of Scrooge's return now as the ghost appearing to Bob Cratchit, whose generosity has now brought the company of Scrooge and Marley on the verge of bankruptcy. Scrooge returns as Marley did to remind Bob of the implications of his generosity without consideration and he is back to teach Bob the value of money. You will find such delightful characters interwoven in this Christmas tale like Oliver Twist, Samuel Pickwick, Uriah Heep, David Cooperfield and many many more.

 There are some play on words and phrases from Dicken's classic works, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Cooperfield and more as the characters remain in their respective stories and utter the now famous sayings. For example when Oliver Twist arrives in Bob Cratchit's office while men are there to solicit their annual holiday donations from him, Oliver Twist arrives to discuss his salary, "Please sir, I want some more." Bob isn't sure what he means in which Oliver replies, "I've been at Scrooge and Marley's for over two years now," the young man said with resolve. "I arrive at dawn and am here 14 hours later. I've saved many an account, Mr. Cratchit, sir. And sir, I'm 23 years old now, and am paid almost nothing, apprentice wages. Please sir."

Cratchit replies, "Done, as the cook said to the roast after taking it from the oven. You shall have it." He put out his hand to seal the agreement. "I'll triple your salary next week. A new start for the New Year. How's that?" It is Oliver that seems to understand common sense when it comes to money but Cratchit doesn't seem to be overly concerned.

Since the novel is based loosely around the concept that this is the actual lost manuscript from Charles Dickens, the author incorporates the use of footnotes throughout this book to guide the reader through unfamiliar characters, names and events of the period he believes are what Charles Dickens would have added if he did in fact write this book. It is an amusing look at what might have become of poor Bob Cratchit and a truly must have for fans of Charles Dicken's literary works.

I received A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg compliments of Third Road Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This would make a great Christmas gift to anyone who loves to add to their Christmas fiction collection. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. I found the footnotes a bit confusing and opted to skip those initially on my first read through to keep the continuity of the storyline moving forward and went back and reviewed those during my second pass through the book. I love the authors use of cynical humor throughout this book and those quirky famous lines that interlace the conversations in the story.

For more information about A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge, Robert J. Elisberg or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg

To read more reviews on A Christmas Carol 2 from the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here. 

 You can find Robert J. Elisberg on his website by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Third Road Press (November 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615727573
• ISBN-13: 978-0615727578
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches

The Christmas Quilt

Annie has a bit of a procrastination problem. Whenever she sets out to complete a project, she generally believes she will have more than enough time to complete it, yet each time, she finds herself rushing in an effort to complete it and often times has to ask for the help of others to get her projects complete. However in order to complete the quilt she has promised to make for her best friend, Leah who is expecting twins at the end of December, she honestly believes this time she will have more than enough time to complete it. If she can only find time between working with her husband Samuel, as one of the only certified Amish nurses as he makes his rounds as the town's herbalist and healer. She also lends a hand with the Amish mid-wife Belinda whenever she has need of her skills, along with herself being pregnant and expecting their first baby.

When an unexpected call in the early morning hours to Annie and Samuel warrant their medical assistance with Leah, who has gone into premature labor, she knows that without proper medical help at an English hospital, Leah may lose both of the babies. She learns that if Leah wants any chance at all at bringing her babies into this world healthy, she must remain for as long as she can in a hospital in Philadelphia that specializes in the very medical issue that Leah is facing. But how can Leah remain in the hospital while her marriage seems to be eroding between her and Adam? It was one thing before when it seemed that they might find a way to work through the issue of the growing separation between Leah and Adam, but now with miles separating them, is there hope they can work to make things right between them, even though they can't be together?

In the novel The Christmas Quilt by best selling author Vannetta Chapman, the true test of what love truly means is placed before not only Leah and Adam but for their families as well. With Leah's own health and that of her unborn babies being at the forefront of everyone living in the town of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, it teaches each of them just how precious life really is and that none of us are guaranteed any amount of time here on earth. Those that believe they will have time to work things out another day are placed before the fire to take hold of the present and realize what a gift time truly is. This is the 11th novel in the Quilts of Love series and each can be read as a stand alone novel.

I received The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman compliments of Abingdon Press and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed are my own. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and for those that love a Christmas theme to their standard Amish romance stories, than this is truly one you won't want to miss. Each of the pieces of the quilt that Annie begins to piece together tell the meaning and stories behind each of the nine fruit of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control, and gentleness as a reminder of what our lives should look like to others as believers in Christ.This novel picks up the story of Annie and Samuel that readers were introduced to in A Simple Amish Christmas.  A discussion guide is included as well as a sneak peek into Aloha Rose, the 12th book in the Quilts of Love series.

For more information about The Christmas Quilt, Vannetta Chapman, or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

You can find Vannetta Chapman on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Christmas Quilt from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, please click here.

• Series: Quilts of Love (Unnumbered) (Book 11)
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426752776
• ISBN-13: 978-1426752773
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 7.3 x 9.5 inches